Group Volunteers

How to get started * Considerations for group volunteering

Things are always more fun when you get a group of people together, but finding opportunities for larger groups can be difficult. The information below should help guide you through the process of using the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center to find group volunteer opportunities.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Step 1: Register
To sign up for projects or express interest to get contact information on opportunities, you must first be registered on this site.

Step 2: Create a Team
Click here to watch a video on how to create and manage a team.

Step 3: Find Volunteer Opportunities
There is one way to find volunteer opportunities appropriate for groups.

From the Search Opportunities Page
 

  • Enter all required information in the "Basic Search Box"
  • Be sure under "Additional Filters" you click "Appropriate For"
  • Check the box for "Groups"
  • Select any other filters you wish to search by
  • Click "Refine"

 

Step 4: Express Interest/Sign Up
Depending upon the type of project you select, you will be given the choice to:

  • Express Interest - the community organization will contact you directly with further information about the opportunity and how to sign up. An automated e-mail will also be sent to you, with contact information for the community organization, so that you can follow up with them if you do not get a response.
  • Sign Up - you will be automatically signed up for that project and will receive a confirmation e-mail containing all of the information you will need. Be sure to only sign up members of your team who have confirmed they will attend the project.

 

TOP CONSIDERATIONS FOR GROUP VOLUNTEERING
 

  • How many people are in your group?
    The larger the group, the more difficult it will be to find opportunities. Consider splitting into smaller groups, or offering shifts.
  • When are you available to volunteer?
    Projects during the evening and sometimes even weekends, can be more challenging to find as most community organizations operate during traditional business hours.
  • Consider the time of year
    If you want to work outdoors, think about what time it gets dark and the weather conditions. School holidays may also have an impact on participation or project availability.
  • How long do you want to volunteer for?
    In our experience, 2-4 hours is the ideal length of time for group projects, particularly if the work is hard manual labor - remember, you can always go back again.
  • What ages are your group members?
    Be sure to select a project appropriate for all members of your group.
  • What do you want to do?
    There are many choices available to you. Think about the skills and interests of your group.
  • Do I have a budget to help with supplies?
    If the project requires supplies, this can be very costly for the community organization, particularly when large groups are involved.
  • Don't be afraid to ask
    If you don't see anything suitable for your group, that doesn't mean that the opportunity doesn't exist. If you see a community organization that you are interested in helping, contact the Volunteer Coordinator and ask!